Task-orientated multimodal feedback system for the rehabilitation of the upper limb

Kousidou, S

Abstract

This thesis reports on the design and development of a software environment which
allows the implementation of task-based physiotherapy for the upper limb providing
at the same time effective multimodal feedback to the user. The software
environment, Rehab Lab, uses the University of Salford Soft Exoskeleton as a
medium for delivering therapy.
The aim of this project is to investigate how to use an arm exoskeleton operating in 3-
Dimensional space in conjunction with a multimodal software environment for
potentially helping stroke patients regain functional independence by relearning
activities of the daily living. More specifically, the software would provide a way of
synthesising and executing therapeutic protocols. Three types of protocols are
supported by Rehab Lab; Joint Warm-up Protocols, Muscle Activation Protocols and
Functional Reaching Protocols. The software environment would also provide
therapists and patients with quality multimodal feedback. Feedback is important for
therapists in order to assess patients' progress. It is also important for patients hi order
to help them monitor their physiological responses and therefore attempt to control
them. The latter makes feedback a powerful motivating reason to engage in the
therapy.
The software environment developed, Rehab Lab, mainly consists of a module that
permits synthesis and execution of therapeutic protocols. The building blocks of the
protocols are tasks, which vary from basic to more complex ones. A high-level
controller module is responsible for resolving a protocol to its tasks and executing
them in turn. Each protocol can have properties such as resting period between two
consecutive tasks. Each task can have properties such as speed and number of
repetitions. Rehab Lab also contains a virtual environment which provides the setup
for the functional tasks to be executed as well as a means of providing effective
feedback.

Citation

Kousidou, S. Task-orientated multimodal feedback system for the rehabilitation of the upper limb. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 18, 2021
• Award Date: Nov 1, 2007